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Activity Four: Making a Capital

Capital cities around the world are selected for numerous reasons. As a class, brainstorm some of them. Some cities are created specifically to be capitals, others are the oldest or most successful cities in the country. Think about why Queen Victoria chose Ottawa as the capital What other cities were considered? Imagine that a new capital was needed for Canada. Divide into five or six groups. Choose a potential city such as Vancouver, Calgary, Winnipeg, Toronto, Montréal or Halifax, or suggest another location (including a purpose-built capital) and, as a team, argue the benefits and potential of your city. How do you think a decision should be made?
National Capital Commission